TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Judges 8 verses 4–17
In these verses we have,
I. Gideon, as a valiant general, pursuing the remaining Midianites, and bravely following his blow. A very great slaughter was made of the enemy at first: 120,000 men that drew the sword, Jdg 8:10. Such a terrible execution did they make among themselves, and so easy a prey were they to Israel. But, it seems, the two kings of Midian, being better provided than the rest for an escape, with 15,000 men got over Jordan before the passes could be secured by the Ephraimites, and made towards their own country. Gideon thinks he does not fully execute his commission to save Israel if he let them escape. He is not content to chase them out of the country, but he will chase them out of the world, Job 18:18. This resolution is here pushed on with great firmness, and crowned with great success.
1.His firmness was very exemplary. He effected his purpose under the greatest disadvantages and discouragements that could be. (1.) He took none with him but his 300 men, who now laid aside their trumpets and torches, and betook themselves to their swords and spears. God had said, By these 300 men will I save you (Jdg 7:7); and, confiding in that promise, Gideon kept to them only, Jdg 8:4. He expected more from 300 men, supported by a particular promise, than from so many thousands supported only by their own valour. (2.) They were faint, and yet pursuing, much fatigued with what they had done, and yet eager to do more against the enemies of their country. Our spiritual warfare must thus be prosecuted with what strength we have, though we have but little; it is many a time the true Christina's case, fainting and yet pursuing. (3.) Though he met with discouragement from those of his own people, was jeered for what he was doing, as going about what he could never accomplish, yet he went on with it. If those that should be our helpers in the way of our duty prove hindrances to us, let not this drive us off from it. Those know not how to value God's acceptance that know not how to despise the reproaches and contempts of men. (4.) He made a very long march by the way of those that dwelt in tents (Jdg 8:11), either because he hoped to find them kinder to him than the men of Succoth and Penuel, that dwelt in walled towns (sometimes there is more generosity and charity found in country tents than in city palaces), or because that was a road in which he would be least expected, and therefore that way it would be the greater surprise to them. It is evident he spared no pains to complete his victory. Now he found it an advantage to have his 300 men such as could bear hunger, and thirst, and toil. It should seem, he set upon the enemy by night, as he had done before, for the host was secure. The security of sinners often proves their ruin, and dangers are most fatal when least feared.
2.His success was very encouraging to resolution and industry in a good cause. He routed the army (Jdg 8:11), and took the two kings prisoners, Jdg 8:12. Note, The fear of the wicked shall come upon him. Those that think to run from the sword of the Lord and of Gideon do but run upon it. If he flee from the iron weapon, yet the bow of steel shall strike him through; for evil pursueth sinners.
II. Here is Gideon, as a righteous judge, chastising the insolence of the disaffected Israelites, the men of Succoth and the men of Penuel, both in the tribe of Gad, on the other side Jordan.
1.Their crime was great. Gideon, with a handful of feeble folk was pursuing the common enemy, to complete the deliverance of Israel. His way led him through the city of Succoth first and afterwards of Penuel. He expected not that the magistrates should meet him in their formalities, congratulate him upon his victory, present him with the keys of their city, and give him a treat, much less that they should send forces in to his assistance, though he was entitled to all this; but he only begs some necessary food for his soldiers that were ready to faint for want, and he does it very humbly and importunately: Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me, Jdg 8:5. The request would have been reasonable if they had been but poor travellers in distress; but considering that they were soldiers, called, and chose, and faithful (Rev 17:14), men whom God had greatly honoured and to whom Israel was highly obliged, who had done great service to their country and were now doing more, - that they were conquerors, and had power to put them under contribution, - and that they were fighting God's battles and Israel's, - nothing could be more just than that their brethren should furnish them with the best provisions their city afforded. But the princes of Succoth neither feared God nor regarded man. For, (1.) In contempt of God, they refused to answer the just demands of him whom God had raised up to save them, affronted him, bantered him, despised the success he had already been honoured with, despaired of the success of his present undertaking, did what they could to discourage him in prosecuting the war, and were very willing to believe that the remaining forces of Midian, which they had now seen march through their country, would be too hard for him: Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand? "No, nor ever will be," so they conclude, judging by the disproportion of numbers. (2.) The bowels of their compassion were shut up against their brethren; they were as destitute of love as they were of faith, would not give morsels of bread (so some read it) to those that were ready to perish. Were these princes? were these Israelites? unworthy either title, base and degenerate men! Surely they were worshippers of Baal, or in the interests of Midian. The men of Penuel gave the same answer to the same request, defying the sword of the Lord and of Gideon, Jdg 8:8.
2.The warning he gave them of the punishment of their crime was very fair. (1.) He did not punish it immediately, because he would not lose so much time from the pursuit of the enemy that were flying from him, because he would not seem to do it in a neat of passion, and because he would do it more to their shame and confusion when he had completed his undertaking, which they thought impracticable. But, (2.) He told them how he would punish it (Jdg 8:7, Jdg 8:9), to show the confidence he had of success in the strength of God, and that, if they had the least grain of grace and consideration left, they might upon second thoughts repent of their folly, humble themselves, and contrive how to atone for it, by sending after him succours and supplies, which if they had done, no doubt, Gideon would have pardoned them. God gives notice of danger, and space to repent, that sinners may flee from the wrath to come.
3.The warning being slighted, the punishment, though very severe, was really very just.
(1.)The princes of Succoth were first made examples. Gideon got intelligence of their number, seventy-seven men, their names, and places of abode, which were described in writing to him, Jdg 8:14. And, to their great surprise, when they thought he had scarcely overtaken the Midianites, he returned a conqueror. His 300 men were now the ministers of his justice; they secured all these princes, and brought them before Gideon, who showed them his royal captives in chains. "These are the men you thought me an unequal match for, and would give me no assistance in the pursuit of," Jdg 8:15. And he punished them with thorns and briers, but, it should seem, not unto death. With these, [1.] He tormented their bodies, either by scourging or by rolling them in the thorns and briers; some way or other he tore their flesh, Jdg 8:7. Those shall have judgment without mercy that have shown no mercy. Perhaps he observed them to be soft and delicate men, who despised him and his company for their roughness and hardiness, and therefore Gideon thus mortified them for their effeminacy. [2.] He instructed their minds: With these he taught the men of Succoth, Jdg 8:16. The correction he gave them was intended, not for destruction, but wholesome discipline, to make them wiser and better for the future. He made them know (so the word is), made them know themselves and their folly, God and their duty, made them know who Gideon was, since they would not know by the success wherewith God had crowned him. Note, Many are taught with the briers and thorns of affliction that would not learn otherwise. God gives wisdom by the rod and reproof, chastens and teaches, and by correction opens the ear to discipline. Our blessed Saviour, though he was a Son, yet learnt obedience by the things which he suffered, Heb 5:8. Let every pricking brier, and grieving thorn, especially when it becomes a thorn in the flesh, be thus interpreted, thus improved. "By this God designs to teach me; what good lesson shall I learn?"
(2.)The doom of the men of Penuel comes next, and it should seem he used them more severely than the other, for good reason, no doubt, Jdg 8:17. [1.] He beat down their tower, of which they gloried, in which they trusted, perhaps scornfully advising Gideon and his men rather to secure themselves in that than to pursue the Midianites. What men make their pride is justly by its ruin made their shame. [2.] He slew the men of the city, not all, perhaps not the elders or princes, but those that had affronted him, and those only. He slew some of the men of the city that were most insolent and abusive, for terror to the rest, and so he taught the men of Penuel.
Continue studying Judges 8:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Judges 8:14 meticulously details Gideon's strategic intelligence gathering following his triumphant pursuit and defeat of the Midianite kings. Having previously been scorned and refused vital provisions by the Israelite town of Succoth during his arduous campaign, Gideon returns to fulfill his vow of retribution. This verse describes Gideon's capture and interrogation of a young man from Succoth, who, under duress, precisely identified the seventy-seven "princes" and "elders"—the local civic and religious leaders responsible for the town's earlier contemptuous refusal to support God's chosen deliverer. This act underscores Gideon's unwavering resolve to hold accountable those who had undermined the national effort and disrespected a divinely ordained mission.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. Foreshadowing is evident as the capture and interrogation of the young man explicitly set the stage for the imminent and precise judgment Gideon will execute upon the leaders of Succoth, fulfilling his earlier vow. There is a strong sense of irony in that the very leaders who contemptuously refused to aid Gideon are now precisely identified by one of their own townsmen, leading directly to their downfall. This highlights the self-defeating nature of their disloyalty. The narrative also uses contrast effectively, juxtaposing Gideon's relentless pursuit of justice and his commitment to the national cause with Succoth's parochial self-interest and lack of support for their deliverer. Finally, the numerical precision of "threescore and seventeen men" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, lending an air of factual exactitude and methodical calculation to Gideon's actions, reinforcing that his retribution is targeted and deliberate rather than chaotic or vengeful.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:14 profoundly illustrates the principle of accountability, particularly for those in positions of leadership, and the serious consequences of neglecting one's duty to God's people and His appointed work. The refusal of Succoth's leaders to provide aid to Gideon's exhausted army was not merely an act of inhospitable self-preservation but a profound act of disloyalty to the covenant community and a direct affront to God's chosen deliverer. This passage underscores that while God's grace is abundant, there are also real and tangible consequences for opposition, apathy, or active hindrance of His divine purposes. It serves as a stark reminder that choices made in times of crisis, especially by those in authority, carry significant moral and spiritual weight, and ultimately, all will be held to account for their actions and omissions.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a potent reminder for believers today that our actions, and especially the actions of those in leadership, carry significant weight and have consequences. Just as Succoth's leaders failed to support Gideon, God's chosen instrument, we are called to discern and actively support the work of God in our generation, whether it's through our local church, mission efforts, or ministries that advance the Kingdom. This support often requires sacrifice, courage, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones, prioritizing the greater good of God's mission over personal convenience or fear. Furthermore, the accountability of the "princes" and "elders" of Succoth speaks directly to the responsibility of leaders in all spheres—spiritual, civic, and familial. Those entrusted with influence and authority are held to a higher standard, and their decisions have a profound impact on the well-being and spiritual trajectory of those they lead. We are challenged to examine our own hearts: are we actively supporting God's work, or are we, like Succoth, withholding what is needed out of fear, apathy, or self-interest?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Gideon target a "young man" specifically to get the information?
Answer: Gideon's choice to "catch a young man" was likely a strategic and pragmatic decision. A younger individual might have been less entrenched in the political and social power structures of Succoth's leadership, making them potentially more susceptible to interrogation or less inclined to protect the elders who had made the unpopular decision. They might also have been more easily intimidated or simply the most accessible person available at that moment. This highlights Gideon's shrewdness and methodical approach to intelligence gathering, ensuring he obtained the precise information needed to carry out his targeted retribution against the specific leaders responsible.
Was Gideon's harsh retribution against Succoth's leaders justified from a biblical perspective?
Answer: From the perspective of the narrative in the book of Judges, Gideon's actions, though harsh by modern standards, are presented as a legitimate act of justice within the context of ancient Israel. The leaders of Succoth had committed a severe offense: they refused aid to an Israelite army, led by God's chosen deliverer, fighting a divinely sanctioned war for the nation's survival. This was seen as a profound act of disloyalty to the covenant community and an affront to God's work. In the period of the Judges, where national unity and loyalty were paramount yet often lacking, such acts of defiance against a divinely appointed leader could not go unpunished. Gideon's retribution, though severe, was specific and targeted at the accountable leadership, reflecting the principle that those in authority bear significant responsibility for their community's actions and face consequences for undermining God's purposes.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gideon's meticulous pursuit of justice against the disloyal leaders of Succoth, who rejected God's appointed deliverer, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon, faint yet pursuing, sought to bring order and accountability to Israel, so too does Christ, the ultimate Deliverer, come to establish God's righteous rule and bring all things into submission. The refusal of Succoth's leaders to aid Gideon foreshadows the rejection Christ experienced from many of His own people, who refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah and provide Him with the honor and allegiance due to Him, as tragically recounted in John 1:11. While Gideon's justice was earthly and punitive, Christ's ultimate judgment will be perfect and final, distinguishing between those who welcomed Him into His kingdom and those who rejected Him, as vividly depicted in the parable of the sheep and the goats Matthew 25:31-46. Yet, unlike Gideon's physical retribution, Christ's primary mission was redemptive, offering salvation even to those who rejected Him, calling them to repentance and faith, as He commanded His disciples to preach Luke 24:47. The accountability of Succoth's leaders serves as a sober reminder that all humanity will one day stand before Christ, the righteous Judge, to give an account for their deeds and their response to His gracious offer of salvation, for "we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" Romans 14:10-12. In Christ, the themes of justice, accountability, and the consequences of rejecting God's anointed one are perfectly fulfilled, culminating in His future return to judge the living and the dead Acts 10:42.